Day 2

Day 2 here went well. Sam picked us up this morning, and we went to the pyramids before it got too hot. After that we went to a language school and checked it out. (It was ok, but pray that we will find the best one.) Then, we went to the seven oldest churches here. This was heart-breaking. In one of the churches the people were working their way to one room dedicated to saint George and picking up these chains they believe he was bound in. They were kissing them over and over again and putting them around their necks. Sam explained that they were their for spiritual reasons, but that they also believed that he could heal them and give them good health. In another room, people would rub a picture of the saints over and over again to try to be closer to them and receive blessings. They are trying so hard. These people are desperately looking for a savior and the majority of them have never heard Jesus as Savior. Awful! After that, we went to the mountain top and looked over the city and prayed. Wow, I can not express how big the city is: 18 MILLION people. Then we priced furniture. A full day.

In reguards to the culture, I have definitely found some good things. The people seem nice, but authoritative. The women absolutely love Joshua. There is always someone there to help when you need it, and it doesn’t cost too much. So far, the food has been good and the American fast food is inexpensive. (We will be eating a home-cooked meal tomorrow.) I cannot find toys for Joshua, but there are playgrounds, arcades, and trampolines that you can pay for the kids to enjoy. They have bathtubs, not just showers! The water is clean enough!

Some things I will have to learn to deal with: The noise of the city. I have always lived in the country. The area is not very pretty. It seems to be composed of sand(more like petrified sand) and filth. It is definitely the dirtiest place I have ever been. Driving without rules. Christians are treated differently than Muslims.

Relief

Well, we’re here!! I was nervous about having Joshua on the planes, but he did great! I don’t think he ever fussed for more than 5 minutes at a time. I thank the Lord for a great baby and a wonderful husband. Today, David planned for us to go to the area we are looking at moving to and to the “mall”. I enjoyed seeing the nicer side of town and the conveniences we will have. There is definitely more than I thought! We were picked up from the airport last night by the man that we will be working with. As my husband would say, he is a blessing. He picked us up this morning and has taken us from place to place and has answered question after question. We really appreciate him. I am looking forward to meeting his wife. She doesn’t speak English, but maybe that will be good for me while I am trying to learn Arabic.

So, I haven’t stopped hearing car horns since I got here. At least one every five seconds, usually more. Crazy. These people blow the horn for everything!

I have only heard the call to prayer once so far today. We were in the mall, and I did not see one person stop to pray. Sam said that they rarely do. So, I feel overwhelmed by the religion, but I guess that’s ok. It’s too much for us, but it’s not too hard for the Lord. He can do all things and I know that it is His will to see people come to trust in Him. Pray for us.

Nervous

Ok, so I'm starting to get nervous! We are in NC tonight and tomorrow, going home Monday, and leaving for N.Africa on Tuesday. I don't believe I would be nervous if I were just vacationing, but I'm going to see my new home and mission field. I have been praying that the Lord Jesus would give me a passion for the place and the people. I know it will be much easier to move there if I have a love for it. I can't believe we have made it this far already. The Lord has been so good to us! The other day, I said 'God bless" you to a lady. Her reply was, "He will". Isn't that true-He will and He has already.

Faithful!

To know a definition of a word is good, but to experience the power of it is life-changing. The Lord is so faithful. During the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking a lot about how faithful the Lord has been to us. So many times He has provided financially just when we needed it! So many times He has given peace when my heart was troubled! So many times He has answered prayers! Even recently, the Lord has answered prayers of mine within minutes and hours of the time I prayed. He is so Good, so Sweet, so Loving, Caring, Giving, Merciful, and Gracious... His love for me really has caused me to love Him more! I am honored to be able to serve the Lord of lords and King of kings, even when it's difficult.

April and May

Busy doesn't even begin to explain the last couple of months. During the last couple of months, we have been in several meetings( at one point they were back to back daily for over 2 weeks!) in many different states. We went to the doctor's office 3 times and to the ER once for sickness. I thought that was over but now I'm sick(bad sore throat) and praying I will get well without a doctor's visit.

We were finally at home a few days this past week and are on the road again. (If you live in GA and I didn't call you to meet up, please forgive me. I had a lot to do and also wanted a date night with my husband.) We should be back in town soon for a couple more days!

We are leaving for a trip to our field in a little more than a month. Please pray for safety and that we will get everything accomplished that needs to be done. Also, for Joshua to adjust well to both the time change and the heat. Thanks!

March Already!?!

Wow, so much has happened since I have written. We have been in several different meetings in several different states, home for a few days, and are leaving again tomorrow for a few weeks. I have really enjoyed being home and it's hard to leave so soon to travel so much. We will be in 4 meetings in 3 different states by Sunday evening.

Joshua is doing well. He is actually sitting up now, playing vigorously, and even saying mama on occasion!! He is a very happy baby. Pray that he stays healthy. He gets a lot of colds and viruses due to our travels and the many different nurseries he has to stay in. We have been in and out of doctors offices and the ER pretty regularly. Thankfully, he is well now!

Pressing On!

We had a great day in these churches in TN today. The Spirit moved and they gave us very generous love offerings. However, we have done lots of traveling. We are now in VA and are headed to my mother-in-laws for the week. Our meeting on Wed. is only an hour from her house. Joshua will get to see Grandma.

Granny Dot is doing a little better. Thanks so much for your prayers! She is awake but still very sick. Keep praying. The Lord is answering our prayers!

Last year we had several meetings close to home and were able to travel back and forth more often. I am still getting used to hardly ever being at home. I know it is getting me ready for the field. I am still praying that God will give me grace as we get closer to moving. This is something I could never do on my own.

By the way, Joshua is now reaching for us when he wants us, taking his pacifier out of his mouth and putting it in again, and I believe he will be sitting up on his own very soon. :)